On Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:11:54 -0800 (PST), Loogypicker
wrote:

If a fence is put across a migration route, that's totally different
from a solar array that is off of the ground.

Ok, if we're going to discuss this, let's discuss it.

This is a state-of-the-art home solar panel array.

http://www.swsports.org/images/Solar%20Panels.jpg

http://www.swsports.org/images/Solar%20Panels%2001.jpg

This is a semi-static array - meaning that it's mechanically adjusted
every month (13 times a year to take advantage of Fall leaves) to take
maximum advantage of the sun's angle.

Over a period of a year, including bad weather days, it produces just
under 30 kWh/month. The house behind it uses roughly 18/22 kWh/month
(call it 20 kWh/month) so the power bank is +10 kWh/month or 120
kWh/year.

Bit of teminology. The power "bank" is power that is returned to the
generator/supplier on a daily basis. This "bank" can be drawn on when
generation is low or non-existant. The entire system is not quite
"off-the-grid" because in periods of extended bad weather - over a
year, it's about break even in terms of power generated/power used
with a slight balance in favor of the system - estimated at 5
kWh/year.

Note that you aren't paid for the extra power - it's "banked".

Basically a wash in terms of power generation/power used. That sounds
really good at first blush - free electricity over time.

Well, not so much.

Cost of the panels: $60,000.
Cost of the mechanical installation (steel mounts, concrete bases,
labor): $11,500.
Cost of the regulated control system: $7,000
Cost of the RCS installation: $3,000
Permit: $1,000.

Sub total: $82,500

State tax adjustment/rebate: - $5,000

Sub total: $77,500

Local property tax assessment adjustment: +$7,000

Total: $84,500

Not much of an investment when you consider that his bill, including
all the various charges, fees, taxes, etc., is about $120/mth.